Ellene M. Herne, 85, Akwesasne

Mrs. Ellene M. Herne, 85, of 87 Rooseveltown Road, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 26, 2010 at Massena Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient since October 2nd.

Ellene was born April 26, 1925 at the family homestead in Akwesasne, the daughter of Alexander and Rena David White. She attended schools Mohawk School and schools in Hogansburg and Massena. She went to beauty school in New York City. On December 9, 1964, she married Paul R. Herne in Bombay with Justice Jerome Brockway, officiating.

She first worked for a short time for Mrs. Dow in Fort Covington. She later opened her own beauty shop, operating and enjoying it for many years. She was a member of the Hogansburg Methodist Church, where she served as a lay minister. She enjoyed sewing, bird watching, reading, and flower gardening. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed doing wedding cakes. She was a loving grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Ellene is survived by her husband, Paul; two children, Glenn Hill and his wife, Sheila, of Akwesasne and Sue Ellen Herne of Akwesasne; six grandchildren, Colleen and William Mitchell, Melissa and Glenn Malasnas, Glenn Jr. and Carrie Hill, Taylor Hill and companion, Cheyenne, Levi A. and Rohonwakehra Herne; six great granddaughters, Rain, Caeleigh, Ansley, Miley, Ellie, and Emmalin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Lincoln C. White in 2006; and four sisters, Evelyn White Farnsworth and Ethel White Pedoto, both in 1967, Ella R. Peters in 2000, and Erma White Moor in 2006.

Friends may call beginning Thursday 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the home of her son, 16 McDonald Road, Akwesasne, where funeral services will be held Saturday 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeffery V. Aiosa, officiating. Burial will follow on the White Homestead Property, Akwesasne. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley or the Akwesasne Freedom School.